Buddhist Philosophy – Vipassana Meditation Camp
V. Amalan Stanley
Notable Tamil poet and novelist V. Amalan Stanley is working as a senior scientist in biotechnology.
In 2005, V. Amalan Stanley Bodhi, who began his Buddhist journey with Goenka meditation practice, received Zen training at Gento. In 2008, he received direct training from Zen monk Thik Nhat Hung in Vietnam. In 2010, he brought Vipassana teacher Patrick Kearney from Australia to Bodhi Zento Center in Kodaikanal for three years. He also learned to conduct penance camps regularly from him. In 2013, he was trained in Tibetan Mahamudra, Tsokchen, by Sogyema Rinpoche.
Two and a half years of training and certification by The Awareness Training Institute and the Greater Good Science Center at the University of California (MMTCP) as a teacher of mindfulness meditation.
We don’t know the origin of yoga. It was defined by Patanjali as a branch of Sangya philosophy. Later, Jainism developed. It was the Buddhists who perfected it. The Buddhist yoga tradition gave birth to the modern meaning of meditation. Asankara, Vasubandhu, Diknagar, Nagarjuna, Dharmakirti, Dharmasena, and Dharmapala, its tradition of teachers. Through Bodhidharma it went to China and from there, it went to Japan and became Zen Buddhism. It went to Tibet through Padmasambhava and became Tibetan Buddhism. Tibetan Buddhism is called Vajrayana.
The yogic tradition that Buddhism developed has largely disappeared in India, although its rudiments persist in some form. We can learn the Buddhist meditation-philosophical tradition from the Buddhist traditions of Tibet, Japan, and Thailand where it grew and flourished. This exercise is an attempt to do so.
V. Amalan Stanley is offering to conduct these trainings, which were conducted only for high technology workers, as per our request.
Dates July 5, 6 & 7 (Friday, Saturday, Sunday)
write to [email protected]
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Classes Already Announced: Have Seats
Ayurvedic camp Sunil Krishnan is an Ayurvedic doctor from Karaikudi. A famous writer, winner of Sahitya academy Yuva Puraskar award. The two classes he conducted introducing Ayurvedic systems to the general public were very helpful to many.
Why should Ayurveda be introduced? Modern medicine introduces our anatomy, diseases and medicine. But Ayurveda helps us understand our lifestyle. Our diet and our environment are accessible to Ayurveda. About these we will hear a lot of hearsay and have various misconceptions. To know the reality one must know the basics of Ayurveda. This is an event that teaches it in a simple way.
Those who attended the last two classes wrote that the classes were a great learning experience as well as a fun time. The teacher will teach the harmony between our mind and body along with how our body works, how our body reacts to our environment.
A student of meditation or yoga cannot complete his studies without knowledge of Ayurveda
These classes will take place on May 31, June 1 and 2
write to [email protected]
Classes on Saiva Philosophy
It is a historical fact that the four principal philosophies of India originated in the ancient Tamil land.
- Dignnaga, Dharmakirti developed Vignanavada Buddhism of Dharmapala (Pallavanadu. Kanchipuram. Common Era 5th-6th century)
- Shankara’s Advaita (Seranadu, Kaladi CE 8th-9th century)
- Ramanuja’s Visishtadvaita (Pallavanadu, Sriperumbudur CE 12th century)
- Saiva Siddhanta of Meikandar (Chola Nadu, Tiruvennainallur CE 13th century)
It is disgraceful if a thinking Tamil does not have basic knowledge about these philosophies. The youngest of these is Saivism. Hence, the side of Shaivaism is more complete than all the previous ones. It is said to have emerged in Indian thought by conversing with all that preceded it and gathering answers to all questions.
The philosophy that permeated Tamil culture was Saiva Sidhanta. The roots of its wisdom can be found in texts like the Thirumandiram, and Saiva literature. We can find its traits in Tamil archaeology. Saiva Sidhanta contains myths and images unique to Tamil. Saiva Siddhanta education is a journey towards the roots of living Tamil culture.
These classes will be conducted in a simple and modern-minded manner. Religion is not emphasised. So all enthusiasts like Vaishnavites, Atheists, Christians and Muslims, can participate. A basic interest in learning is enough for participation.
Date June 7,8 and 9 ( Friday, Saturday and Monday)
write to [email protected]
Introductory Bible classes
A previous Bible class taught by a friend, Cyril Alex, who studied formal Christian theology, was an experience, many of the participants said. There is no other place where the Bible is so taught with its spirituality and aesthetics for modern readers.
The Bible is the most important historical and cultural document for modern European art and modern European literature. This is an introductory class on how to approach it.
Also reaching out to the Bible spiritually is a profound journey. This is not religious education. No worship or prayer is attached to it. An education to know the Bible through one’s spiritual journey
As well as training to achieve holistic knowledge and understanding in conjunction with other philosophies
These classes will take place on June 21st, 22nd and 23rd
J. Rajagopalan
The sacred Four thousand verses (Nalayira Divyaprabandha) is the fertile ground where Vaishnava philosophy originated. Approaching it intellectually and knowing its Tamil flavor is essential for understanding present day Tamil culture. It can be said that those who do not know Tamil are illiterate. Four classes of Vaishnava Literature Introductory Camp have taken place before this. Letters have been pouring in, saying that each was a great learning and emotional experience.
Date June 28, 29 and 30 (Friday Saturday Sunday)
write to [email protected]
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Upcoming Events
Introduction to Islamic Philosophy – Literature
Nisha Mansoor
Conducted by poet and Islamic scholar Nisha Manzoor, this class will cover the historical background of Islam, its philosophy, its global Sufi tradition, and Tamil Sufi literature.
July 12 13 and 14 (Friday evening to Sunday afternoon)
write to [email protected]
Training for reading Non-fiction
All Places are full
July 19th and 20th. (Friday, Saturday)
Gurupurnima – The Day of Venmurasu
Sunday 21st July is Gurupurnima day. We celebrate it as Venmurasu day every year.
Everyone can participate
write to [email protected]
Yoga Introduction Classes
A basic yoga training camp conducted by yoga teacher Soundar. It is for those who are just getting introduced to yoga and those who want to know a little about it and practice it properly. Soundar belongs to the Sivananda Yogic tradition. Properly trained. He runs an organisation called Satyananda Yoga Centre. He gives yoga exercises in a completely traditional way.
We present these exercises as we have found them very helpful for two kind of people
- These provide relief to the younger generation, who are suffering from body aches, various ailments and exhaustion due to constant sedentary lifestyle and boredom of indoor life.
- The usual health problems of old age is caused by a very sedentary lifestyle and many types of body aches, fatigue, etc.
Separate trainings are given to these two type of people, considering their health condition. Participation in a camp is limited to less than fifty. Therefore, direct communication with the teacher will lead to dialogue. It is a traditional wisdom that a yoga teacher should guide all lifestyles from the position of guru.
Although these practices belong to the Hindu tradition, we present them as secular. No religious belief or ritual is involved with these exercises. All religions and atheists can participate
Date July 26 27 and 28 (Friday Saturday and Monday)
For contact write to [email protected]
Philosophy First Stage Class
As requested by many, Indian Philosophy Class I is being re-introduced. The first class is the undertaking that we will complete the whole class. So first class does not happen often. Priority will be given to subsequent classes
Date August 2, 3 and 4 (Friday, Saturday, Sunday)
(All places are full.)
Temple Arts- Training, Secondary Level
This is the next level of training for those who have attended the temple training camps that have taken place so far. In this, the Jayakumar will teach what needs to be learned more and what needs to be observed, particularly in a temple.
He will also teach us how to make this education useful for ourselves and others. Aspirants will be taught how to take a temple, thoroughly research it, document it and write it into a short book.
Doing this in small groups gives the doers deep attention and training in the art of the temple. It will be a start of the great work of recording our temples.
Date: August 16 17 & 18 (Friday, Saturday, and Sunday)
Introduction to German Philosophy
German philosophy, from Kant to Heidegger. An introduction.
Conducted by Ajithan.
August 23, 24 & 25 (Friday, Saturday, and Sunday)
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